Kochi: Former Kerala Blasters coach Ivan Vukomanović, adored by fans across Kerala, has sent warm Onam greetings to Malayalis while revealing a surprising new career move.

In a festive video message shared with supporters, Vukomanović said: “To my dear Malayalis across the world… my heartfelt Onam wishes! I am returning, but this time not as a coach; but as an actor.”

The popular coach, whose following often eclipsed that of the players during his time with the Blasters, is set to make his acting debut in Vineeth Sreenivasan’s upcoming thriller ‘Karam’. Vukomanović will portray a character named André Nicola. The film’s recently released trailer, packed with striking visuals and suspenseful moments, signals a bold shift for Vineeth, known primarily for heartfelt stories centred on relationships. ‘Karam’ is scheduled for a worldwide release on September 25.

‘Karam’, a high-stakes action thriller, reunites Vineeth with producer Visakh Subramaniam after the successes of ‘Hridayam’ and ‘Varshangalkku Shesham’. The film is being produced under the banners of Merryland Cinemas, Visakh Subramaniam, and Vineeth’s Habit of Life Productions. Vineeth, who previously produced hits like ‘Aanandam’ and ‘Helen’, returns to the producer’s chair for this ambitious project.

Noble Babu Thomas leads the cast and has also written the screenplay. The film marks Vineeth’s return to the thriller genre after ‘Thira’. Merryland, which produced Malayalam cinema’s first crime thriller ‘CID’ in 1955, returns to the genre after seventy years, adding historical weight to the project.

Shot across multiple international and domestic locations, ‘Karam’ features sequences filmed in Georgia, along the Russia–Azerbaijan border, as well as Shimla and Chandigarh. Only a single day of shooting took place in Kerala, in Kochi. Preparations, including pre-production and location scouting, began in April 2024 and spanned nearly a year.

The technical crew reunites familiar collaborators: cinematography is by Jomon T. John, with music by Shaan Rahman — both frequent partners of Vineeth on acclaimed films such as ‘Thattathin Marayathu’, ‘Thira’ and ‘Jacobinte Swargarajyam’. The cast also includes Audrey Miriam and Reshma Sebastian in leading roles, alongside Manoj K. Jayan, Kalabhavan Shajohn, Baburaj, and Johny Antony in key parts. Phars Films has secured the overseas distribution rights.